Eighty seven percent of DoorDash survey respondents drink iced coffee even when they don’t need the caffeine, the delivery service’s “Iced Coffee Index: A Real-Time Read on Consumer Stress” report found.
“Once a seasonal drink, iced coffee is now a year-round go-to, shaping trends, routines and more. And just like that daily ‘little treat,’ it’s become something people turn to for comfort and control, not just caffeine,” DoorDash said. The company said its new Iced Coffee Index (ICI) aims to track consumer stress through iced coffee, one of the most consistent discretionary purchases.
“Survey data shows just how deeply people connect with iced coffee, even across generations. From Gen Z to Boomers, iced coffee drinkers are turning to their daily cup as a steady way to find comfort amidst the chaos,” the company said. Seventy nine percent of respondents said they see iced coffee as a treat when life feels overwhelming.
The research found that iced coffee orders spiked on “2025’s most stressful days”—including Blue Monday, Tax Day and the April 2nd tariff announcement, and that more than half of iced coffee orders now include a flavor add-on. Orders including lavender flavor jumped 170%.
Afternoon coffee runs are also becoming more popular per the data, with a 7% uptick in 2 - 5 p.m. orders, as “the afternoon slump is fast becoming iced coffee’s emotional peak hour.” Eighty six percent of respondents said iced coffee boosts their mood.
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